Dealing with people is “a social science, and it’s hard to be exact about human personality,” according to a retired leader for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.

“That’s why we use words like ‘probably’ and ‘usually,’” Dale Huff, retired director of the SBOM office of LeaderCare and church administration, told a group at the Intentional Leader event April 21. “Pastors can’t control how people treat them, but you can control how you treat others. You can treat them ‘Jesus-like.’”

Huff, who recently completed his 21st interim pastorate, said the work of the pastor is identified by three interlocking circles: preaching and teaching, pastoral care and administration.

“We have to work on all of these areas and constantly grow,” he said. “The weakness of your weakness is what can get you into trouble. We are students who learn, who read constantly and who listen to suggestions from others about personal improvement.”

Pastors at every ministry stage need mentors who can be honest with them, and at the same time have “Timothys” they mentor, Huff asserted.

“As you climb up, lift up,” he encouraged the audience.

Huff recalled that he attended Crescent Hill Baptist Church in Louisville while in seminary and was impressed with the pastor, John Claypool, who often said, “Be kind to every person, for every person bears a burden.”

“Some suggest 25% of those you preach to on Sunday morning are in grief,” Huff noted.

“Grief is loss and there can be all kinds of losses such as death, job changes and financial reverses.”

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This article was originally published at TheAlabamaBaptist.org.